[Updated February 28, 2012]
TV / VIDEO
February 8, 2012 – ABC 57
'Lifesaver of the Year' award by National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Side Note: The class was originally targeted to surfers, but it had a broader audience attending. The audience consisted of the general public as young as 9 years old to a 78 year old grandfather. T...he audience also consisted of surfers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, water rescue team members, dive team members, and the Coast Guard.
August 31, 2011 – WSBT
August 7, 2011 – WZZM 13
June 6, 2011
Lifeguard4life blog: Video “Lifesaving for Surfers” – Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class’ water session
June 5, 2011
WNDU News Spot - Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project's "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class on the beach.
RADIO
January 11, 2012
87 Great Lakes Drownings
Lakeshore Public Radio with Steve Walsh, WLPR, 89.1 FM, out of Merrillville, IN
http://www.thelakeshorefm.com/
January 10, 2012
Report: 87 People Succumbed To Great Lakes Waters In 2011
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/17588
By Linda Stephan
There were 87 people who died by drowning last year in Great Lakes waters, according to numbers reported by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.
A significant number of swimmers were caught in rip currents. Project CEO Bob Pratt says safety experts are still learning about rip-current survival, but there's some evidence to suggest the best thing for a swimmer to do if caught in a rip current is to stop swimming.
"The Mackinac Rip Current group uses the term, flip float and follow, he says. "It's kind of like stop, drop and roll that the fire service uses.
"So they want you to flip over on your back, and float with the current and follow the current. And in many cases the current will actually bring you back into the shore. And it's really panic that kills people."
More than half of the drownings last year in Great Lakes waters happened on Lake Michigan, most toward population centers near the southern end of the lake. Pratt also says waves tend to be larger toward the southern end of the lake.
But rip currents can also be a problem in northern Lake Michigan.
"In the northern areas we also see drownings due to fishing, and kayaking, and boating and things," he says.
In 2011, there were drownings in northern Michigan off the coast of Frankfort, Northport, Traverse City and Charlevoix.
Pratt says numbers are up this year over 2010, though it's not clear whether that is simply because the group is doing a better job of collecting information.
January 6, 2012
Member of Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Nominated for Award
http://www.wsjm.com/Member-Of-Great-Lakes-Surf-Rescue-Project-Nominate/11929750
Andrew Green Reporting
A member of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is one of ten finalists for the Lifesaver of the Year Award from a group called the Drowning Prevention Alliance. Bob Pratt helped to pull a struggling child out of Lake Michigan back in August, right after the Surf Rescue Project had just completed a training session on the dangers of rip currents. The Rescue Project's Dave Benjamin was there:
[AUDIO CLIP]
The child was OK, and now the public can vote for Pratt to receive the Lifesaver of the Year Award on Facebook. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is a group of Lake Michigan surfers who train others like them on how to use their surfboards as flotation devices to help people who may be drowning. It also works to educate the public on rip currents, and how to recognize struggling swimmers. Benjamin says that, already, he feels the organization has been effective in getting its message out. He's hoping to see Pratt win the Drowning Prevention Alliance award, as it could lead to more attention for the group and, therefore, a sponsor for the 14 training sessions it has planned for 2012. Now here's the address of the Facebook page where you can vote for the Lifesaver of the Year:
http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564
August 29, 2011
87 Great Lakes Drownings
Lakeshore Public Radio with Steve Walsh, WLPR, 89.1 FM, out of Merrillville, IN
http://www.thelakeshorefm.com/
January 10, 2012
Report: 87 People Succumbed To Great Lakes Waters In 2011
http://ipr.interlochen.org/ipr-news-features/episode/17588
By Linda Stephan
There were 87 people who died by drowning last year in Great Lakes waters, according to numbers reported by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.
A significant number of swimmers were caught in rip currents. Project CEO Bob Pratt says safety experts are still learning about rip-current survival, but there's some evidence to suggest the best thing for a swimmer to do if caught in a rip current is to stop swimming.
"The Mackinac Rip Current group uses the term, flip float and follow, he says. "It's kind of like stop, drop and roll that the fire service uses.
"So they want you to flip over on your back, and float with the current and follow the current. And in many cases the current will actually bring you back into the shore. And it's really panic that kills people."
More than half of the drownings last year in Great Lakes waters happened on Lake Michigan, most toward population centers near the southern end of the lake. Pratt also says waves tend to be larger toward the southern end of the lake.
But rip currents can also be a problem in northern Lake Michigan.
"In the northern areas we also see drownings due to fishing, and kayaking, and boating and things," he says.
In 2011, there were drownings in northern Michigan off the coast of Frankfort, Northport, Traverse City and Charlevoix.
Pratt says numbers are up this year over 2010, though it's not clear whether that is simply because the group is doing a better job of collecting information.
January 6, 2012
Member of Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Nominated for Award
http://www.wsjm.com/Member-Of-Great-Lakes-Surf-Rescue-Project-Nominate/11929750
Andrew Green Reporting
A member of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is one of ten finalists for the Lifesaver of the Year Award from a group called the Drowning Prevention Alliance. Bob Pratt helped to pull a struggling child out of Lake Michigan back in August, right after the Surf Rescue Project had just completed a training session on the dangers of rip currents. The Rescue Project's Dave Benjamin was there:
[AUDIO CLIP]
The child was OK, and now the public can vote for Pratt to receive the Lifesaver of the Year Award on Facebook. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is a group of Lake Michigan surfers who train others like them on how to use their surfboards as flotation devices to help people who may be drowning. It also works to educate the public on rip currents, and how to recognize struggling swimmers. Benjamin says that, already, he feels the organization has been effective in getting its message out. He's hoping to see Pratt win the Drowning Prevention Alliance award, as it could lead to more attention for the group and, therefore, a sponsor for the 14 training sessions it has planned for 2012. Now here's the address of the Facebook page where you can vote for the Lifesaver of the Year:
http://apps.facebook.com/lifesaveroftheyear/contests/144881/voteable_entries/37669564
August 29, 2011
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Helps Prevent Drowning Over Weekend
Andrew Green Reporting
We've told you before about a group that's working to teach surfers how to use their boards to save distressed swimmers in Lake Michigan. Well, just the other day, the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project got to do just that in New Buffalo and prevented a possible tragedy. Organizer Dave Benjamin says that a class instructor spotted a boy struggling with a rip current, literally minutes after their training session had ended:
[RADIO CLIP]
Benjamin says the boy was displaying the signs of drowning in the thick surf -- facing shore, mouth at water level, and making a "climbing a ladder" motion. He says that he generally didn't think it was a good idea to be swimming in Lake Michigan given the conditions on Sunday:
[RADIO CLIP]
Benjamin says that the Surf Rescue Project is attracting interest not only from surfers, but also just from anyone who wants to know about rip currents. People who showed up Sunday included parents, police officers, firefighters, and members of the county dive team. They're planning another class for the Chicago side of the lake in September.
August 23, 2011
More Rip Current Training for Surfers Planned for New Buffalo
Andrew Green Reporting
Another training session is planned for New Buffalo this Sunday for Great Lakes surfers to learn how to recognize and rescue swimmers who are struggling in Lake Michigan. Dave Benjamin, with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, tells WSJM that there's already been a class in Saint Joseph, where attendees were taught all about rip currents -- the number one cause of Great Lakes drownings -- and how they can use their surf boards, or anything else, as flotation devices to save the distressed. The program is expanding to more than just surfers, though:
[RADIO CLIP]
Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo will host the Surf Rescue Project's next "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class and "Third Coast Ocean Force" rip current awareness campaign Sunday, August 28th, at nine-30 AM, at Lions Pavilion Park and New Buffalo City Beach. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
August 8, 2011
More Rip Current Training for Surfers Planned in New Buffalo
Andrew Green Reporting
Another training session is planned for New Buffalo this Sunday for Great Lakes surfers to learn how to recognize and rescue swimmers who are struggling in Lake Michigan. Dave Benjamin, with the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, tells WSJM that there's already been a class in Saint Joseph, where attendees were taught all about rip currents -- the number one cause of Great Lakes drownings -- and how they can use their surf boards, or anything else, as flotation devices to save the distressed. The program is expanding to more than just surfers, though…
[Radio clip]
Third Coast Surf Shop in New Buffalo will host the Surf Rescue Project's next "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class and "Third Coast Ocean Force" rip current awareness campaign Sunday, August 28th, at nine-30 AM, at Lions Pavilion Park and New Buffalo City Beach. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
August 5, 2011
Free Safety Class Planned for Great Lake Surfers
WBBM Newsradio’s Bernie Tafoya reports
HOLLAND, Mich. (CBS) — If you have the time to drive out to Holland, Mich., this weekend, you might want to take part in a surfer rescue and rip current awareness class — especially after the rough week on that side of Lake Michigan this week.
As WBBM Newsradio’s Bernie Tafoya reports, just Wednesday, 28 people were plucked from Lake Michigan in the Holland area, all because they were caught in rip currents. Dave Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project says a free class is being offered Sunday morning at the Grand Haven State Park pavilion.
[RADIO CLIP]
“It’s going to teach the average beachgoer about water safety and rip current awareness, and it’s going to teach the surfers how to use their surfboard as a life-saving device,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin says if you happen to get caught in a rip current in the lake, try to stay calm and don’t fight against the current. But do try to swim along the shoreline to try to get out of the current, and try to signal someone for help.
The real season for lake surfers doesn’t take off until after Labor Day, but Benjamin says many surfers take advantage of good lake waves whenever they can get them.
July 5, 2011,
Interlochen Public Radio, Tom Kramer
June 4, 2011
WJYS Radio Phone interview
NEWSPAPER
January 9, 2012
02/08/2012
Retired East Lansing fire marshal named Lifesaver of the Year by National Drowning Prevention Alliance
02/07/2012
WSYM-TV FOX 47 Lansing
Retired East Lansing Fire Marshal Named "Lifesaver of the Year"
02/06/2012
Eastern Surf Magazine
Ret. Fire Marshal Wins Lifesaver Of The Year Award
02/06/2012
Retired Fire Marshal Named "Lifesaver of the Year"
Group: Great Lakes drownings rise to 87 in 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8495842
January 8, 2012
Drownings up across Great Lakes in 2011, flat in Muskegon County
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/drownings_up_across_great_lake.html
January 7, 2012
State might require warnings at beaches - Flags would indicate water condition
"In 2011, 44 people drowned in Lake Michigan; 87 people drowned in the Great Lakes, an increase from 74 in 2010."
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20120107/NEWS01/201070305/State-might-require-warnings-beaches
January 5, 2012
High number of drownings reported in Lake Michigan
http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/High_number_of_drownings_reported_in_Lake_Michigan_136769598.html?storySection=comments
September 5, 2011
Man drowns in Lake Michigan off New Buffalo beach
http://www.wndu.com/weather/headlines/Man_drowns_in_Lake_Michigan_off_New_Buffalo_beach_129272398.html
September 2, 2011
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8495842
January 8, 2012
Drownings up across Great Lakes in 2011, flat in Muskegon County
http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/drownings_up_across_great_lake.html
January 7, 2012
State might require warnings at beaches - Flags would indicate water condition
"In 2011, 44 people drowned in Lake Michigan; 87 people drowned in the Great Lakes, an increase from 74 in 2010."
http://www.thetimesherald.com/article/20120107/NEWS01/201070305/State-might-require-warnings-beaches
January 5, 2012
High number of drownings reported in Lake Michigan
http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headlines/High_number_of_drownings_reported_in_Lake_Michigan_136769598.html?storySection=comments
September 5, 2011
Man drowns in Lake Michigan off New Buffalo beach
http://www.wndu.com/weather/headlines/Man_drowns_in_Lake_Michigan_off_New_Buffalo_beach_129272398.html
September 2, 2011
Surfers are prepared to help this weekend; Rip currents forecast along Lake Michigan.
September 2, 2011
Coast Guard: Watch For Rip Currents In Lake Michigan
The Coast Guard says this summer, 43 people have drowned on Lake Michigan, including five people just last weekend - a 44-year-old Wheeling man, a 14-year-old Evanston near Gillson Park in Wilmette, and a student from Valparaiso University. [In the latest on-air broadcast of this report, Bernie added, "According to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, overall 62 people have drowned in the Great Lakes."
September 1, 2011
Surfers group ready to help this weekend; Rip currents forecast along Lake Michigan
http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-09-01/news/30104325_1_current-warnings-rip-currents-forecast-surfers
September 1, 2011
Surfers group ready to help this weekend; Rip currents forecast along Lake Michigan
http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-09-01/news/30104325_1_current-warnings-rip-currents-forecast-surfers
September 1, 2011
Potential drowning prevented
September 1, 2011
Lake Michigan drownings have officials urging vigilance
“It's not the rip current that pulls you under,” said Bob Pratt, creator of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which works to educate people on safe practices in dangerous water. “If you can avoid panic, your chances of survival are a lot greater. Roll over and float on your back until its over.”
September 1, 2011
Lake Michigan rip currents will be dangerous this weekend
Recent Lake Michigan Drownings Prompt Labor Day Safety Alert
Half of the 62 Great Lakes drownings this summer have occurred in Lake Michigan.
http://wilmette.patch.com/articles/recent-lake-michigan-drownings-prompt-labor-day-safety-alertsSeptember 1, 2011
Recent Lake Michigan Drownings Prompt Labor Day Safety Alert
Half of the 62 Great Lakes drownings this summer have occurred in Lake Michigan.
September 1, 2011
Great Lakes surfers save drowning victims
August 31, 2011
Rescue class participant makes rip-tide rescue in lake
August 29, 2011
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Helps Prevent Drowning Over Weekend
August 28, 2011
Man’s drowning marks 57 on Michigan's Great Lakes
Last Sunday - "North Berrien Fire Rescue team members had just returned from a surf safety class in New Buffalo. Still geared up, they raced to the beach, arriving within minutes of the call." Unfortunately still too late. That’s how fast drowning happens. Great Lakes Drownings are now up to 63! http://www.abc57.com/home/top-stories/Mans-drowning-marks-57-on-Lake-Michigan-128569833.html
August 25, 2011
Surf rescue class planned in NB – Instruction to promote awareness of rip currents
August 25, 2011
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National
http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/082511c.html
August 23, 2011
Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National
http://www.easternsurf.com/pressbox/082511c.html
August 23, 2011
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National | |
Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium |
Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project Requests To Present At The National | |
Drowning Prevention Alliance’s 11th Annual Symposium |
Third Coast Surf Shop’s Continued Partnership
With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class Sun., Aug. 28, New Buffalo, MI
August 20, 2011
This Week in Harbor County
If you are interested in understanding the dangers of the lake, this is a great opportunity. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project will host a 'Surf Rescue class Sunday August 28th, at the Lions Park Pavilion in New Buffalo. Get started early with a class for assessing surf conditions, rip current education, and beach safety. This class starts at 9:30 am, is free, and open to all.
August 16, 2011
Surf Rescue classes
The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project will host a “Surf Rescue” class Sunday, August 28, 2011, at the Lions Pavilion Park, New Buffalo.
There will be a meet-and-greet at 9:30 a.m.; a classroom session for assessing surf conditions, rip current education, beach safety and rescue techniques a t 10 a.m.; and a water session to practice hands-on surf rescue techniques at 11:15 a.m.
Participants can attend the classroom session and do not have to attend the water session. The class is free and open to the public.
August 12, 2011
Scary Statistics
August 11, 2011
Divers recover body of Illinois man
GARY | The body of a New Lenox, Ill., man who disappeared Wednesday in choppy waters off Wells Street Beach, was recovered from Lake Michigan on Thursday afternoon.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Officer Gene Davis said Brett Vanetten, 20, was found at 12:48 p.m. in about 7 feet of water, approximately a quarter mile west of where he was last seen.
Vanetten was presumed drowned after he disappeared while swimming with friends shortly after 2 p.m. A riptide risk was in effect Wednesday, making conditions dangerous for swimming. The search for Vanetten was called off at 7 p.m. Wednesday before resuming Thursday morning.
Vanetten's death marks 52 drownings in the Great Lakes this year, 25 of which were in Lake Michigan said Dave Benjamin, spokesman for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Last year, there were 74 drownings in the Great Lakes. Benjamin, of Matteson, Ill., who has been surfing in the Great Lakes for two years and swimming in them for more than 40, said he's noticed anytime the lakes are good for surfing there's always news of drownings as well. He calls that association "heartbreaking."
Davis said DNR officials located the body on side-scan sonar and divers from the Lake County Aquatics Team recovered the body.
The Lake County marine unit and Lake County Sheriff's Department helicopter also participated in the search.
A Porter County Sheriff's Department chaplain was also at the scene with family members of the missing man.
Benjamin said to prevent being dragged out by a rip current, swimmers should respect the warning flags. The standard advice has been to swim parallel to the shore to get out of the rip current. Benjamin also advises swimmers to flip on their back, float and follow the current. That way, you're not using all of your energy fighting the rip current.
"Really respect the power of the lakes," he said. "If the water looks like a washing machine, don't get in it."
August 11, 2011
New Lennox 20 year old drowns – Drownings Uptick to 53
August 11, 2011
Veteran swimmer offers tips to battle rip currents
A veteran Great Lakes swimmer and recent surfer offered tips early this week to help people get out of rip currents.
According to Dave Benjamin, of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, as difficult as it might be, the first thing people need to do after being caught in a rip current is to stay calm. Benjamin said don’t fight the current and advised that people flip onto their backs, float and follow the current and then swim parallel with the shoreline until they are free. He said instinct tells people caught in rip currents to swim directly back to shore, but what happens is they can become tired and can lose the battle.
“Sometimes, a rip current will bring you back to shore if you float long enough,” Benjamin said.
Rip currents tend to be stronger along jetting walls and piers, Benjamin said, as water flows in along the walls and back out.
“The current occurs at the surface of the water,” Benjamin said. “You want to get out of the current and get away from the wall.”
Benjamin also offered tips for those attempting rescues. He said if people see a person in distress, make sure someone calls 9-1-1 before leaving the beach. He also said would -be rescuers will need to assess their swimming abilities and make sure to take something along that floats such as a cooler, surfboard, or tackle box. Once a person is in distress, Benjamin said, they could submerge within 30-60 seconds.
“Many would-be rescuers can become drowning victims,” Benjamin said. “There’s always items on the beach or on the pier that can be used as a flotation device.”
If using a surfboard during a rescue attempt, Benjamin said to make sure to keep the board between yourself and the person in distress, and never turn over the tether to the person in trouble.
The organization has conducted several surfing safety class at various locations this summer, but nothing is planned for this area at the present time.
August 11, 2011
Looking like another record year for 2011
August 9, 2011
Surfers learn lifesaving techniques
Grand Haven
Sgt. Clint Holt of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety was among the 22 people who attended the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project’s “Surfboard Rescue Techniques” class at the Grand Haven State Park pavilion on Sunday.
“Surfers are the first-responders,” Holt said. “We’re thankful for you being out there. (You) even rescued one of our own once.”
Participants at the rescue class were taught how to recognize the danger of the surf environment, how to survive rip currents, to know the signs of drowning, and how to use a surfboard or other flotation device to rescue a person in distress or in a rip current.
“Surfers make hundreds of rescues per year,” instructor Bob Pratt said. “This training is geared for surfers who are in a unique position to rescue people because they have a floatation device.
To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.
August 8, 2011
2011 Great Lakes Drownings Reach 49, An Increase Of 2 From This Time Last Year
August 8, 2011
Rip Currents a danger in Great Lakes
August 8, 2011
Surfboard rescue class can be lifesaver
August 5, 2011
Surfrider Foundation Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class
August 4, 2011
No Quarter Surfboards Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class
August 4, 2011
Free Safety Class Planned for Great Lakes Surfers
August 3, 2011
Great Lakes Surfing Association Partners with the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class
August 3, 2011
Grand Haven Tribune
Surfboard Rescue Techniques class is Sunday
August 2, 2011
Great Lakes Proud Partners with the "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" class
August 1, 2011
Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class
August 1, 2011
Grand Haven Surf Rescue Class
August 1, 2011
Surfrider – Great Lakes Chapter
Great Lakes Rescue Project presents:
Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class at Grand Haven State Park
August 1, 2011
Drowning incidents rise across Great Lakes
July 30, 2011
Surfboard Rescue Techniques class to take place Aug. 7
1260 am, The Pledge
July 29, 2011
Muskegon Chronicle
Surfboard Rescue Techniques class to take place Aug. 7
July 28, 2011
Grand Haven Tribune
Surfboard Rescue Techniques subject of safety demonstration
July 25, 2011
Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce
Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class by The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project
July 13, 2011
Beach Nut Surf Shop Partners With The "Surfboard Rescue Techniques" Class
June 16, 2011
Third Coast Ocean Force Aims to Prevent Great Lakes Drownings
July 9, 2011
Great Lakes Surfer Magazine
Interested in learning some rescue techniques for those in danger at the beach??
July 7, 2011
Classroom Host - Surfboard Rescue Class – Betsie Bay Inn
July 7 2011
Great Lakes Echo
Great Lakes drownings reach 23, up one from this time last year
http://greatlakesecho.org/2011/07/07/great-lakes-drownings-reach-23-up-one-from-this-time-last-year/
June 7, 2011
Sweetwater Salvation – Third Coast Surf Shop Blog: “Surfers Save Lives (pic and vid)”
July 6, 2011
Great Lakes Drowning incidents up
July 6, 2011
Great Lakes drowning incidents up
July 6, 2011
Program Aims To Train Surfers To Rescue Drowning Swimmers
July 5, 2011
Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class
June 6, 2011
Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project educates surfers
June 6, 2011
Lifeguard4life blog: “Lifesaving for Surfers” Great Lakes – Surf Rescue Project
June 5, 2011
Herald Palladium feature “Surfers ready to become lifesavers”
June 3, 2011
Great Lakes Echo feature “Ocean-force rip currents threaten Great Lakes swimmers”
May 25, 2011
Surfboard Rescue Techniques Class
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